Worsfold hopeful of AFL derby final

West Coast coach John Worsfold is embracing the prospect of a western derby AFL final, but concedes the Eagles have some work to do to make it happen.

The Eagles currently sit a game outside the top eight, while Fremantle are just percentage adrift of fourth spot.

Should West Coast beat Fremantle in Sunday's western derby, it would significantly boost the chances of the two teams meeting again in September.

However, a Dockers win would make it hard for West Coast to reach the finals.

A derby final would be bad news for Fremantle, who are almost certain to finish higher than the Eagles and would therefore lose their home ground advantage if they were to confront their arch-rivals in September.

Worsfold is yet to make a call on his coaching future, but is hopeful Sunday's derby won't be his last.

"It would be wonderful to be involved in the first final derby," Worsfold said while sitting alongside Dockers coach Ross Lyon on Wednesday.

"I'm hopeful we can play well enough to finish in the eight. That's our aim.

"I think Freo are going to be in the eight. If that eventuates, then there is the possibility of a match-up."

The Dockers are on track to make back-to-back finals series for the first time in their history.

Their best ever year was in 2006, when they reached the preliminary final.

Worsfold believes Fremantle have the potential to surpass that mark this year, saying the Dockers are performing an elite level consistently.

The Eagles are confident ruckman Nic Naitanui will be fit to play in Sunday's derby, but Daniel Kerr (ribs) and Sharrod Wellingham are no guarantees to return.

Naitanui, who missed the opening five rounds due to off-season groin surgery, has been carrying soreness in recent weeks.

But Worsfold said the 2012 All-Australian should be fit to take on the Dockers, with gun midfielder Luke Shuey also expected to play after missing two games with a hamstring injury.

Former Pie Wellingham is pushing for senior selection after making a successful return from an ankle injury in the WAFL reserves last week.

West Coast will be without vice-captain Beau Waters (knee) and tagger Patrick McGinnity (suspended), but Sam Butler (back) and Adam Selwood (back) are other players in line to return.

Fremantle are expected to recall Alex Silvagni in place of All-Australian defender Luke McPharlin, who will miss five weeks with a calf injury.

"We acknowledge it's a loss but you cant get stuck on that. We have to move on quickly," Lyon said.

The Dockers must also find a replacement for Paul Duffield (calf).

This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.